VIX closes at 20.51, down 3.03% on November 3
Published on 11/03/2026 at 22:48 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSVIX closes lower after volatile session
- The VIX closed at 20.51 on November 3, 2026, according to Cboe market data.
- The index fell 3.03% from the previous close of 21.15.
- The reading remains above 20 as investors assess near-term S&P 500 volatility.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) closed at 20.51 on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, down 0.64 points, or 3.03%, from the previous close of 21.15. Cboe market data showed the index at that level as of 4:28 p.m. Eastern Time, after the regular U.S. session had ended.
Volatility remains elevated
The decline followed a sharp rise in the previous session. MarketWatch historical data lists the November 2 VIX close at 21.15, with an intraday range of 18.03 to 21.77. The November 3 reading therefore remained above the 20 level despite easing from Monday's close.
What the index measures
Cboe describes the VIX as a measure of market expectations for near-term volatility derived from S&P 500 Index option prices. It is not a share price and cannot be interpreted as a direct forecast of the market's direction. Its level instead reflects the option market's pricing of expected volatility over the coming period.
For investors, the move back below Monday's level indicates that expected volatility was lower at the end of November 3 than at the end of the prior session. The still-elevated absolute reading leaves the options market focused on potentially larger-than-usual S&P 500 moves, while the VIX itself remains sensitive to changes in option demand and market pricing.
Further VIX coverage is available on the VIX topic page.
